Peoria Standard

Village of Swansea Board of Trustees met June 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Attendees: Board President Leopold, Trustees Lanter, McDonald, McGuire, Parker & Wells, Treasurer John Walter, Building and Zoning (B&Z) Director Dallas Alley, Police Department (PD) Chief Steven Johnson, Fire Department (FD) Chief Chris Tell, Director of Public Works Rick Tucker, Administrator Benjamin Schloesser, Clerk Lauren O'Neill, Human Resource Manager Kristina Essenpreis, potentially other community members. Absent: Trustee Neumeyer.

Motions: Trustees are presented with the individual that made the motion, followed by the person seconding the motion. Votes: Unless noted otherwise, votes are obtained by voice vote (roll call vote involves each voter stating their name and vote) and all votes are aye. Content of meeting is presented within the marks]

I) Call To Order

II) Pledge Allegiance To The Flag

III) Roll Call

IV) Approval Of Minutes – Motion to approve the outlined below minutes – Wells, Lanter

1. Board Minutes – May 18, 2020

2. Committee Minutes – May 18, 2020

3. Special Board of Trustees Minutes – May 28, 2020

V) Acceptance of Minutes – No Comments

VI) Mayor’s Announcements/Correspondence – A Fairview Heights resident was selling and was notified to discontinued selling Swansea trash stickers. This resident wrote the Village requesting approval to sell and ship trash stickers to residents with the same price provided to residents that other providers, such as Schnucks and Zx, offer, noting that there would be zero-cost to the Village. It was suggested that the Fairview Heights resident wanted to offer this service as a mean of attracting people to the website. While Swansea’s franchise agreement would not prohibit an additional distribution arrangement with this entity, there was consensus that the existing channels for residents to obtain trash stickers was sufficient. It was noted that there have been no resident complaints regarding the ability to obtain trash stickers through the existing business entities in the Village or directly through the Village of Swansea. The request will be responded to by Schloesser and/or Leopold. In the COVID-19 closure of the Village Administrative Office to the public, the Village has when requested mailed trash stickers to residents. Sticker prices are slightly lower when purchase through the Village. After COVID-19 restrictions are lifted should residents wish the Village to mail the trash stickers, then the resident may be charged for the applicable postage/mailing costs.

VII) Village Attorney – No Comments / Village Administrator Comments – Currently, 6/26/20 is the first day any neighboring area can move to phase 4, involving opening up community government offices to the public. Some communities will provide access in about 2 weeks on an appointment only basis. The Village of Swansea might delay opening the Village of Swansea Administrative Offices to the public to avoid the potential of a COVID-19 outbreak and liabilities associated with such actions. There was consensus that there was not a rush to open the offices to the public. There were no complaints from residents/businesses and services to the community continue. Schloesser will continue to review the situation and make appropriate recommendations. The Village

Committee/Board room is narrow and there are constraints related to social distancing for public meetings in this space. The Next meeting will continue through Zoom with access instructions provided via email to the Village’s Board and representatives that attend and the public being provided instructions for access via posting, including on the Village’s website. The safety of members is important and Trustee feedback was elicited regarding the virtual meetings. It was noted that the meetings were efficient and provided for safety at this time. Schloesser is reviewing Open Meetings Act and may provide the Board with more information in the near future. The physical IMP annual conference that was originally scheduled to be held in September 2020 has been canceled. There may be some virtual IML meeting training opportunities. When information becomes available, then it will be provided.

VIII) Public Comment – No Comments IX) Report Of Committees

A) Personnel Committee –

1. Discussion: 2021 Insurance Rates – No Comments

B) Finance Committee Report –

1. Approval of Bills that total $153,978.40 for the period 5/19/20 – 6/1/20. Motion to approve and pay from proper accounts (roll call vote) – Lanter, Wells. C) Judiciary Committee – No Comments

D) Community & Economic Development – No Comments

E) Public Safety Committee – Comments

1. Discussion Burn Schedule - Burning is limited to recreational burning of dry seasoned wood and kindle. There continues to be a ban on burning leaves, grass, and all yard waste. Appropriate reminders to the public will be provided via website posting, Swansea Report reminders, Code Red announcements, and other appropriate means.

2. Non-Agenda Items – The PD Chief has reviewed FBI, Homeland Security and other agency communications related to precautions related to PD use of force. Proper response techniques have been reviewed with the Swansea PD. The FD Chief reviewed communications issues and follow up efforts related to pagers having to be in an open position and pagers not activating as expected or required. There has been follow up with Regis regarding review of technical communication capabilities. Safety needs continue to be provided for with continued coordination with the Belleville’s PD and mutual aid agreements with neighboring FDs.

F) Public Works Committee – No Comments

G) Cultural Committee – No Comments

H) Swansea Report Committee – No Comments

X) Old Business – No Comments

XI) New Business – No Comments

XII) Announcements – No Comments

XIII) Adjournment – Motion by Lanter, McGuire

https://www.swanseail.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1323